Fatal crash involving Mich. sheriff's deputy probed

Officials in southwest Michigan this week said they are investigating a fatal crash last month involving a Van Buren County Sheriff's deputy.

One man died in a high speed crash after a Van Buren County Sheriff's deputy attempted to pull him over on Feb. 10, representatives said in a statement.

The sheriff's office did not initially release information while waiting to identify the man, according to the release.

Jose Gonzalez Gutierrez, 27, was driving east bound on Territorial Road in Keeler Township when a deputy on patrol noticed him speeding, according to the sheriff's office.

The deputy tried catching up to Gutierrez, of Hartford and Elkhart, Indiana, when they saw the car had no registration plate and ran through a stop sign, officials said.

The deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop on County Road 681 as Gutierrez began speeding away, according to the release.

The chase continued for around two and a half minutes, reaching speeds near 100 mph as the deputy continued pursuing Gutierrez, officials wrote.

The deputy then lost sight of him as the car crested a hill northbound on County Road 681, according to the release.

The deputy found Gutierrez ejected from the car once they crested the hill, sheriff's officials said.

The car Gutierrez was in re-entered County Road 681 and caught fire, prompting a road closure for four hours while investigators worked.

Officials believe speed and alcohol contributed to the crash.

The investigation is still open pending toxicology and autopsy results, according to the release.